Hampstead were unfortunate in having their League game with Uxbridge Town at Claremont Road abandoned through fog, as with only five minutes to play they were leading by four goals to two and were pressing hard. However, the decision of the referee was not surprising. He might reasonably have called the teams off a quarter-of-an-hour earlier.

A definite result might have been obtained had a punctual start been made and had the teams crossed over immediately at half-time. To allow the teams to retire was a mistake in view of the conditions.

it was a case of extremes meeting - Hampstead being second in the League table and Uxbridge at the bottom. A win for Hampstead by a substantial margin was therefore expected. Play in the first half was largely in their favour, and a lead by two goals to one did not represent their superiority, but the game underwent a change later, Uxbridge soon equalising and looking as if they would spring a surprise. Hampstead, however, made a good recovery, and when, with twenty minutes to go Rowe again gave them the lead, the tenth defeat of Uxbridge in 13 League games seemed certain.

Hampstead were without Evans and Rees, both on the sick list, and their places were taken by Seeney and Porrett. Both rendered useful service - indeed, Porrett struck one as deserving a regular place in the first eleven, but changes in position did not allow the machinery to run so smoothly as usual. Goodwin was unable to keep goal for Uxbridge - another case of illness ; but Parrish made a very good substitute.

The referee came in for a good deal of criticism, both sides complaining of his decisions, but while his judgment seemed at fault, there was no excuse for a section occupying the centre of the stand. Their behaviour was such as we have not been accustomed to find there, and the enjoyment of those in the vicinity was marred. To bait a referee is not playing the game.

Hampstead did a good deal of pressing in the early stages. Breagan soon found the net, but Rowe was adjudged offside, one of many like decisions given during the match. Porrett and Spalton combined well, most of the danger coming from the left wing. It was through their co-operation that the first goal was scored, at the end of twenty minutes, Spalton finding the net with a good shot. Shortly afterwards Spalton scored again with a shot that went in off the goalpost.

Williams, who had played for Middlesex against Suffolk earlier in the week, reduced the lead at the end of 35 minutes, and 2-1 was the score at half-time. More goals would have been scored but for weak forward work, Uxbridge missing an open goal just before the interval. Bloxham also narrowly missed heading through from a corner kick. Each side had a goal disallowed for offside.

Surprise was expresed when, at half-time, the teams left the field, as it was becoming increasingly difficult to see from one end of the ground to the other.

Soon after the restart Hampstead were given a goal by the referee following a scrimmage, but he reversed his decision after consulting a linesman. Many in a position to see what had happened stated that an injustice would have been done to Uxbridge had a goal been allowed.

A.E. Dean equalised for Uxbridge with a good shot, and with the teams on level terms play became very lively. F.H. Dean (the Hampstead captain) was responsible for one remarkable clearance, and for a time there was every indication that Uxbridge would take the lead. Happily for Hampstead, Smith played confidently in goal, and though corners had to be conceded Uxbridge could not find the net again. Rowe put Hampstead ahead again, and just before the game was abandoned Bucci got another goal for Hampstead.

The clubs meet again this weekend at Uxbridge in the Middlesex Senior Cup. It should be a close match, but on the season's form the disadvantage of playing away from home should not be sufficient to prevent Hampstead winning.